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 June 26, 2009—The
transition to middle school is an important and exciting
time in every student’s life; but it can also be difficult
and full of anxiety for many students.
As Duanesburg’s incoming sixth graders move from a place
where they’re used to being the oldest and most experienced,
they’ll enter a new school building where they’ll be the
youngest and newest—a difficult reality to digest.
Students recently shared their worries and concerns about
the transition during a sixth-grade orientation program held
at Duanesburg Middle School.
Fears of being late to class, getting lost and even getting
locked in a locker by an upperclassman were some of the
issues raised. However, many also expressed excitement about
seeing older relatives every day.
To help them overcome their fears and learn more about the
middle/high school structure and programs, students met with
each of the core sixth-grade teachers—Brian McGarry, Deb
Tarmey and Maria Molyneaux—and heard from the physical
education, music and art teachers, as well as guidance
counselor Neal Silverman and Middle School Principal Peter
Reyes.
Teachers discussed the biggest differences between the two
schools, such as changing classrooms throughout the day,
being assigned to multiple teachers, changing for gym class,
being responsible for handing in their homework without
being asked and using a combination lock, among others.
They learned they’ll have approximately four minutes to move
from one room to another, which is more than enough time to
stop and chat with a friend in the hallway and still make it
to class on time.
Students toured the entire middle/high school building to
get acquainted with their new home—locating the snack bar,
cafeteria, school store, nurse’s office, music room and much
more. They also realized the lockers are much too narrow to
accommodate anything but school books, backpacks and
supplies.
Sixth graders are invited to visit the middle school again
on Tuesday, August 25, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
to familiarize themselves with the location of their
locker, homeroom and classrooms as well as practice their
combination locks.
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